Military are asked to do a lot for their pay
An innocent letter (Mary Ann Gamegan-Richardson, April 10) comparing military pay, or lack thereof, to California’s new minimum wage seems to have backfired, and in turn appears to have brought out more support for minimum-wage proponents.
No offense to the wage-increase opinions that claim they are either a veteran, or associated with one, but as a 20-year veteran of the military, I can tell you there is no comparison.
The unions and others that coerced our liberal governor into signing the wage bill will never be on call 24/7 for $15 an hour. Neither will they be notified at a moment’s notice to pack up a dufflebag, board a ship or plane, and work 16-to-60 hour shifts either to protect their country or assist in protecting or extending aid to a foreign country and its peoples in need.
The military is paid by rank and time in service, and it is a salaried position. That’s right, your shift can be anywhere from eight to 24 hours a day, dependent upon the mission or your particular skill classification. It is not for the faint of heart or those looking for a handout.
Scott Reisdorfer, Fresno
This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 9:03 AM with the headline "Military are asked to do a lot for their pay."